John Fogerty

When Creedence Clearwater Revival splintered in the early 1970s, John Fogerty found himself in a kind of limbo. He responded by recording an album of country, blues, and gospel covers, playing every instrument and singing all the parts himself. Although he issued it semi-anonymously as the Blue Ridge Rangers, Fogerty's distinctive guitar work and black-water yowl instantly identified him as the guy responsible for Creedence's vast array of indelible tunes. Thirty-six years and a thriving solo career later, Fogerty rustled up Rides Again, a marvelous collection of fresh covers from the Rangers, which now include such wily studio vets as Buddy Miller and Greg Leisz. Crackling with energy and caked with a dusty roots vibe, the no-longer lone Ranger offers terrific versions of John Prine's "Paradise," Buck Owens's "I Don't Care," John Denver's "Back Home Again," Rick Nelson's "Garden Party" (with Eagles Don Henley and Timothy B. Schmit helping on vocals), and the Everly Brothers' "When Will I Be Loved," a dynamite duet with Bruce Springsteen. Live, expect those tunes scattered among Creedence classics and nuggets from Fogerty's solo career. (Photo by Marco Annunziata)
Wed., Nov. 18, 8 p.m., 2009